The de-canonized Legends Universe has some of my favorite Star Wars storylines, magnifying the narrative journeys of classic film characters while creating some incredible original characters into the larger lore. Thankfully, Marvel continues to republish many of this expansive back catalog as Epic Collections, giving new readers an opportunity to experience incongruous corners of the franchise. The New Republic Vol. 8, focusing on the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, isn’t a standout within the line, but may surprise casual readers with its tonal oddities even though the plot is full of expected tropes.
Collecting Star Wars: Invasion #0-5, Invasion – Rescues #1-6, Invasion – Revelations #1-5, the second Star Wars Handbook, and material from a few Star Wars Tales issues (#18-19, #21), this collection focuses on the end of the New Republic era, set 25 years after A New Hope. Luke Skywalker and the galaxy face the Yuuzhan Vong, a massive threat from another galaxy that challenges the New Republic and Luke’s New Jedi Order, including the children of Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo. As the invasion spreads, alliances are tested, and remnants of the Empire remain active with their own plans.
If you are unfamiliar with the Yuuzhan Vong, they are a Borg-inspired species in the that were a polarizing element of the New Jedi Order book series. The imperialistic bioorganic species placed an emphasis on pain and suffering as they conquered star systems in the universe, and were immune to many aspects of the force, and thus, a substantial challenge for Luke and other Jedis. To be honest, I never liked this portion of the Expanded Universe, as the Yuuzhan Vong felt too different from previous aliens and monsters within the universe. Additionally, this storyline took up many pages, as can be seen in the multiple minis collected in this trade.
Tom Taylor and Mike Hansen are competing writers who keep the overall plot moving efficiently, but it drags when the newer characters feel like forced additions next to the iconic mainstays. Artist Colin Wilson has a discernable style, but it feels out of place in the Star Wars Universe. His line work and character designs seem more suited to a traditional fantasy environment, which can feel jarring when placed in the galaxy far, far away.
The Handbook materials are especially helpful, giving full page bios for many of the important characters within this trade. They are included at the end of the book but might best be read first before digging too deep into the story. They are the only noticeable supplemental, but still a welcome addition.
The Yuuzhan Vong storylines were contentious within the fandom and are basically forgotten by all but the most dedicated fans, but there is still a reason to read these adventures in 2024. With the Star Wars line again finding itself looking for its next directional wind, there are elements of this Epic Collection that may be worth borrowing from. Minimally, it’s a very different type of Star Wars adventure, and worth exploring for that reason alone.
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